The German Clock Route

German Clock Route – A history of timepieces from the Black Forest

Do you want to find out more about how time is measured? Then this is the route for you! On the approximately 320 km circular German Clock Route, which runs from Villingen-Schwenningen from Triberg – St. Peter – Lake Titisee and then back to Villingen-Schwenningen, you will experience enchanting countryside and find out more about the history of time, its keepers and what lies in store for the future.

The TOP 100 sights and attractions in Germany

Thank you for your participation! Your vote has been counted.

The German Clock Route runs through some of Germany's most picturesque, striking countryside: the Black Forest and Baar region. On this route, you will follow the trail of the Black Forest's most famous clock-face makers and will be greeted by one interesting museum after another, as well as a multitude of enchanting sights and attractions where you can find out more about the Black Forest Clock. There's no better way to experience the Black Forest!

Here every clock has a tale to tell

Factories, workshops and sign painters' studios give visitors a fascinating insight into the day-to-day lives of clockmakers. Here you will get a real sense of just how strongly the Black Forest has been influenced, and continues to be influenced today, by its clock making heritage. You will also get an overview of international time measurement and by the end, it will be very clear that the cuckoo clock, the symbol of the Black forest, has lost none of its fascinating allure.

In the land of the clockmakers

Whilst you're here, you really should see the world's biggest cuckoo clock in Triberg (near Schönberg), which made it into the Guinness Book of Records at more than 15 m high. No-one really knows for sure when the first clock was made in the Black Forest but one thing is for certain: since the wooden foliot clock was first made in Waldau in 1667, the clock has gone through myriad incarnations.

Factory tours and a chance to grab a bargain can be found almost everywhere. Discover the unique Black Forest landscape and its lush mountain meadows, dark-green forests, old half-timbered towns, picturesque villages, quaint Black Forest farmhouses and their typical wooden shingled roofs. Even the Black Forest gateau and traditional costume are distinctive: both are black and white with red spheres on top! Here time really is on the side of those who know how to make the most of it.